The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-01-29

| gave the choice of position to Lot, in the
confident assurance that COP, who mad called
him out of the land of his fathers, and had
led him into this land, would so direct the
decision that his promise would be fulfilled
| His faith made him generous. Abraham's
belief in COP was accounted to him as right
| eousness, because it made him righteous;
it was the source of his righteousness and
strength. Though brave, as was afterwards
shown, he was lover of peace and peace
maker, and was called the Friend of GoD.
Abraham and Lot were "brethren." They
were uncle, and nephew, and brothers-in-
law. Surely the members of the same fam
lily should be at peace with one another.
They were brethren in race and religion.
"All ye are BRETHREN" said JESUS to his dis
ciples as a reason why they should not strive
for high places (Matthew xiii. 81. Those
of the same spiritual family should be broth
erly. st. Stephen addressing his manifest
enemies, called them brethren" a title
which they did not recognize. They we're
brethren of the great Israelite family. Ac-
cording to the letter and spirit of Christian
teaching, we are all of one family, whose Fa-
Their is COP. The considerations which urged
upon Abraham and Lot peaceable spirit,
are binding upon mankind. We all ought to
pursue the things that make for peace. It is
live peaceably with all men; to be forbearing
and kind; to keep our temper under subjec-
ton, to be free from variance and strife, and
to be willing to surrender our own purely
selfish desires and designs rather than pro-
woke quarrel. 1t may not always be right
to yield principles for peace, but it is always
right and expedient to yield privileges. The
man of faith and righteousness is prepared
always to do this. The example of Abraham
is worthy of imitation. We have also the ex-
ample of JESUS, the Prince of Peace, and his
heavenly precepts to guide and inspire US.
Abram appears in this narrative as the
disinterested and generous hero who gives
Lot the first choice of country. A noble
figure What different spirit these actions
breathe from that which is commonly met
with in the world! Just think how often men
quarrel for the best portion of everything,
stand upon their rights, seize everything
pleasant for themselves. consider whether
they are called upon to give up the smallest
thing to which they have legal claim. hest
tate to help man "because he never did as
much for them," will run no risk for anoth-
er's sake for fear they should suffer them
selves, like to be paid for any service they
may have done, and calculate for how little
they can get off when they are asked for a
contribution to religious or any other useful
institutional Self interest is most powerful
incentive, and such character as Abrams
is but rare!
Why should not Abram be generous when
he trusted SO perfectly in his COP? Why
should he not be ready to give Lot his choice
as to the country he would take in possession?
YAHwEH took care of him.
So powerful has faith been in every age; so
powerful is it still. This is why man who
has faith is generous and liberal, and rises by
his faith above the common run of men, who
seek nothing but their own advantage. Those
who have faith, no less than others, like to
grow rich, and their carnal nature urges
them. too, to take the best for themselves
and to run no risks for any one else; but they
find yet greater treasure in contentment,
cbeerfulness, quickness of sympathy; love; in
a single word-a rich inner life; and they
trust that this spiritual happiness will ever
increase within them. Those who are SO
rich cannot be mean. Those who feel that
they are happy, and cherish in their hearts
living hope. cannot bring themselves to be
forever calculating what will be most to
their advantage; and. without any effort. they
bring into practice that command of JESUS
which sounds so strange and exaggerated:
"Give to him that asks of you, and turn not
away from him who would borrow of you"
DIR. III. Oort, "The Bible for Learners"